Tried martin and elixir strings

[12Gauge]

I bought a set of the Martin FX light strings (.011) with the flexible core. I think I prefer my Elixer nano custom lites (.011). I can't feel any difference as far as easier bending or playing barre chords. The Elixirs feel the same. What I have noticed is that you can hear fingers noise (scrapping) on the Martins a lot more because they aren't coated like the Elixiirs.

 

Although the Martins sound OK I'll most likely go back to the Elixirs when the time comes.

[Freeman Keller]

That was my reaction to the Fingerstyles they seemed very squeaky - I can only guess that because the core wire is smaller the windings must be a little larger and thus a little noisier. One of the things I did in the Great String test was a little slide from 2 to 7 on the 5th string to compare string noise.

[LaurentB]

 

How do Martin SP's compare in longevity and tone to Elixirs & DR coated strings? I bought a couple of sets of SP's. But mostly I'm stocking up on Nanowebs & DR's. I've never seen the Martin FX strings.

 

 

Coated strings last much longer than Martin SP's, as long as you don't go strumming with a plectrum, that is. That rips the coating off pretty quickly.

On my Crafter I prefer the warmer sounding Martin SP's, because that guitar sounds quite bright to begin with, and Elixirs get a bit too bright.

[guitarist21]

 

How do Martin SP's compare in longevity and tone to Elixirs & DR coated strings?

 

 

I love the tone of the Martin SPs I typically use. I think they really compliment the sound of my Epiphone Masterbilt well. Unfortunately, since I play pretty much constantly as a music student, I go through them really quickly. Like maybe a week, tops. It got really bad, so I went to D'Addario EXPs on Hudman's recommendation. They last sooo much longer, like a month or so, but I'm not nearly as crazy about the tone or the feel. I like them better than Elixirs though.

 

Ellen

[garthman]

I've been using Martin SP PB's for years but I've recently noticed a marked drop in quality, gaps in brass-plating on trebles, inconsistent winding, etc. Also, as mentioned above, much more string squeak. Anyone else noticed this? I'm seriously think of changing, probably to La Bella - I use their nylon and electric guitar strings and they are always of excellent quality.

[pathofspirit]

 

Coated strings last much longer than Martin SP's, as long as you don't go strumming with a plectrum, that is. That rips the coating off pretty quickly.

 

 

I just switched to using Elixirs. I like them a lot so far but took note of your comment that using a pick can rip the coating off. I often use my thumb but sometimes use a pick. Will basic strumming with a medium-light pick rip the coating off or do I need to be hitting strings pretty hard?